Department of History

In the College of Arts & Sciences, we are proud to celebrate our first-generation community through a collection of stories! We honor our faculty and staff, and their many contributions to our university community and beyond.

The University of Washington’s Public Lectures series once again offers an exceptional lineup of speakers and topics. Explore the lectures and join us in celebrating the collaboration and curiosity that make these programs possible.

The Department of History is saddened by the death of Professor Emeritus Quintard Taylor, who passed away September 21, 2025. A renowned scholar of Black history, Taylor joined the department in 1999 and retired from teaching in 2018. He continued to research and write on African American history following his retirement, devoting particular attention to the award-winning website that he founded, BlackPast.org, the world’s largest online encyclopedia dedicated to Black history.

"It has happened before: an upset victory by a Democratic Socialist in an important primary election after an extraordinary grassroots campaign," writes James Gregory, professor of history at the UW.

The two-month patrol stopped supposedly suspicious individuals from crossing into California from other states. But its execution was uneven, and the initiative proved controversial. James Gregory, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

Microsoft is spending $4 billion dollars on workshops, technology, and other initiatives to get artificial intelligence into the hands of millions of people around the world. So, what does it mean for all of us? Margaret O'Mara, professor of history at the UW, is interviewed.

Throughout history, iterations of the waterfront have propelled Seattle and reflected the citys essential character. Thats why the latest, revamped version of the space is so important, aside from its $800 million price tag. Will the new waterfront reconnect residents with the Salish Sea? Cater to selfie-taking tourists? Build Seattles global brand? The project says something about the city today and where it could be headed next. James Gregory, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

The billionaire isn't the first to decide he can do politics better than the parties. The public isn't so sure. Margaret O'Mara, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

The College of Arts & Sciences is home to many distinguished researchers, faculty, and students. Their work and contributions have been featured in media outside of the UW and across the country. Take a look at some ArtSci features from this past Spring Quarter. From AI to nature's poets, ArtSci in the Media has something for everyone!

The College of Arts & Sciences celebrates undergraduate and graduate students from across all four divisions, who are recognized for making the most of their time at the UW. 

The Office of Global Affairs features Antonia Romana Zito for the Global Visionaries series. Antonia is a senior double-majoring in International Studies and History in the College of Arts & Sciences. Antonia was recognized as a 2025 Husky 100 and is passionate about advocating for migrants and refugees, being trilingual, and making a global impact.

Seattle sees thousands mobilize on May Day each year to advocate for immigrant and worker rights, echoing traditions starting from labor protests decades ago. James Gregory, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

Seemingly no international issue provokes as much heartbreak, consternation and demand for moral action for many right now as the fate of Palestinians and Israelis. And few academics have as much insight into the challenges and benefits of honest discussion and scholarship about that region as Liora Halperin, professor of history and international studies at the UW.

The University of Washingtons graduate and professional degree programs were widely recognized as among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Reports 2026 Best Graduate Schools released late Monday.

The College of Arts & Sciences is home to many distinguished researchers, faculty, and students. Their work and contributions have been featured in media outside of the UW and across the country. Take a look at some ArtSci features from this past Winter Quarter. From new telescopes to UW in high schools, ArtSci in the Media has something for everyone!